Blog

September 30^th, 2024

Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Dear EAFWR Community,

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools and the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples across this land. September 30th is a day to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors, their families, and their communities. It’s also a day for all of us to deepen our understanding of the generational harm caused and to reaffirm our commitment to meaningful action.

At Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, we recognize that reconciliation isn’t a one-day event or a box to check—it is an ongoing journey. We approach this with humility, knowing there is much we must learn and do. As part of this journey:

• We are incorporating Indigenous practices and voices into our events, creating spaces for mutual learning and respect.
• We offer September 30th as a paid holiday for our staff to reflect, participate in community events, and further their understanding.
• We share our office space with Indigenous community members to support sharing circles and learning opportunities.
• We are committed to broadening our knowledge about local Indigenous history and practices and actively seek to build authentic relationships with grassroots organizations and Indigenous leaders.

We know these actions alone are not enough, but they are steps toward living the values of truth and reconciliation every day. I invite you to join us in reflecting on the history and enduring strength of Indigenous communities. For more information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, you can visit this resource.

If you would like to participate in events happening across Waterloo Region to mark the day, you can find details here.

Together, let’s continue to listen, learn, and act—working toward a future built on respect, understanding, and real partnership.

In solidarity,

 

 

 

Allan Mills
Executive Director
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

Click here to read the PDF version of this statement